When Square Enix registered a domain for Final Fantasy XIII-3 most wrote it off as a pre-emptive measure, not necessarily a guarantee. After disappointing fans with the true Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix wanted to give that world another go before closing the book on Lightning and her chums, but that was presumed to be it. However, that may not be the case.

Before reading on be warned that spoilers for Final Fantasy XIII-2 are about to follow, but they don't reveal anything about the content of the ending, only the final moment, which, if it's true, is extremely disappointing.

According to a review from Game Informer, Final Fantasy XIII-2, after dealing out a few plot resolutions, ends with the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers: a "to be continued" screen. Nothing whatsoever follows those three little words...nothing, not even a post-credits scene.

Now, it can be assumed that, given Square Enix's big words about bi-monthly DLC, and the rumor that Lightning will get her own story in them, this "to be continued" is only meant to pave the way for said DLC, but according to the GI reviewer that is not the case. I wouldn't say never, but also I've yet to get my hands on the game.

So, while Final Fantasy XIII-2 is Square Enix's chance for redemption, it's also apparently the second game in what may become a trilogy. It really makes you wonder if, at this rate, we will every see any of those other Final Fantasy XIII offshoots, or another true Final Fantasy for that matter.

To end a game on a cliffhanger is one thing, but to do so in a game that no one was expecting, and whose predecessor, the one that the sequel is actually continuing the story of, resolved the game's events nicely is a bold move to say the least. But, if Square Enix has cleaned up many of the problems gamers had with FF XIII, then maybe, just maybe, this particular "series" is worth seeing continue.

How do you feel about Final Fantasy XIII-2 ending with a cliffhanger and Square Enix releasing Final Fantasy XIII-3? Is it about time to start thinking Final Fantasy XV?

Final Fantasy XIII-2 releases January 31, 2012 for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Source: Game Informer (via CVG)